Understanding Hemophilia: What You Need to Know About This Rare Bleeding Disorder

Hemophilia is a rare but serious genetic disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. For people with hemophilia, even a minor injury can lead to prolonged bleeding, internal damage, or dangerous complications. While the condition is uncommon, affecting about 1 in every 5,000 male births in the U.S., understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and ongoing advancements in care is critical — especially for families living with this condition.

What Causes Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is caused by a deficiency or absence of specific clotting factors in the blood, usually factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B).